I may have mentioned that I have a
new raised vegetable garden. I got things off to a late start and then the heat came, so I didn't have much hope. It has not rained in so long I can't remember what it even looks like, but I babied my little plants by watering them everyday, by hand, with a watering can. The water was often quite warm as the full cans sat in the sun, or I got it from a hose that was laying on the grass. It might be the fresh soil, or it might be the warm water, but I could swear I heard those darn plants grow. I've just come from checking out what is growing in the local community gardens, and they are not doing nearly as well. I'm thrilled with my lush little plot.
My garden contains eight tomatoes. I started all the plants from seed that I saved. Four of the plants are the Bulls Head Heritage tomatoes that I grow every year, two are purple tomatoes, and the other two are yellow. I picked those up at a farmer's market last summer. I also have a cherry tomato plant that I purchased growing in a big pot. While it's tall and producing some fruit, it's not nearly as lush looking at the plants I started myself. I have one pepper plant in there too, and it's got several peppers on it. I've never had luck with peppers in the past so I'm very happy with that. One side of the garden has a row of assorted lettuces, and a row of multicoloured carrots. And then there is the zucchini plant. Other than that, the only other things I've managed to squeeze into this small space are a couple of peanut plants that the squirrels planted for me, and a crazy wild cucumber that I've let grow, just for the fun of it.
It's just the lettuce and zucchini that I have to deal with at the moment though. We have been eating a lot of fresh salad greens and I've also just
picked my 4th zucchini. I likely should have picked that one yesterday
as it definitely grew bigger overnight! I see at least 3 more growing
out there, and while I'm enjoying them, I am glad I only planted one
zucchini plant. I like stir fries so I've been using them up that way. I did give one away, and last night I made a Veggie Pie out of another one. It was delicious and I thought I'd
share the recipe. I know I'll be making this again, as it was easy and even tastes good cold. It calls for Bisquick. I didn't have any but it's easy enough to find a recipe online to make your own. At this time of year, if you aren't growing zucchini, you will likely find some on your doorstep. This is another way to use them up. Besides the usual cakes, breads and cookies for dessert, now you can make pie as part of your main meal. Enjoy.
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Garden Vegetable Pie
2 cups chopped zucchini
1 cup chopped tomato
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
3/4 cup Bisquick mix
3 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Heat oven to 400F. Grease pie plate.
Mix first four ingredients in pie plate.
Beat remaining ingredients until smooth and pour over veggies in pie plate.
Bake until a knif inserted in centre comes out clean. (30-40 minutes)
